Texas State Capital BuildingFLICKR, Ed SchipulSince awarding an $18 million research grant without any scientific peer review last March—among other shocking events revealed last year—investigations and dramatic resignations have mired the $3 billion, state-funded Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). Now, amid results of a state audit, draft legislation for new regulations, and a band of fresh executives, CPRIT looks to reinstate its suspended grant application process, and—more importantly—rebuild its lofty reputation. But some researchers and legislatures have their doubts that the institute will recover from this high-profile scandal.
“We want to send a strong and clear message to the new CPRIT leadership that we expect them to improve accountability and follow the rules,” Representative Jim Keffer (R) of Eastland, Texas, said in a press release announcing new legislation to buttress regulations for CPRIT’s management and grant review process. Introduced last week (February 5) by Keffer and Texas State Senator Jane Nelson (R), the legislation aims to clarify conflict-of-interest rules, codify pre-existing rules, and restructure governance, making transparency and accountability a priority. “Texans voted overwhelmingly to create this institute to find scientific breakthroughs in the prevention of cancer and cures for cancer,” said Keffer, who wrote the 2007 legislation to establish the institute. “We are counting on CPRIT leaders to get the job done ...
